Brain Tumor – Types, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

brain tumor symptoms causes treatment

We generally recognize a ‘swelling’ or a ‘lump’ as a tumor. Medically, it belongs to a group of cells that divide and grow abnormally and uncontrollably to spread to any part of the body. Likewise, brain tumor follows the similar mechanism. As the brain is the primary organ of the body that monitors the functions of almost every organ, any chronic ailment to this organ can have serious consequences. Hence, if it is a brain tumor, it can be detrimental to your life. In such a stance, a comprehensive brain tumor test can verify the onset of this ailment and necessary steps to control it. So, let’s know about the brain tumor types, symptoms, signs and diagnosis.


Types of Brain Tumors


There are at least 150 different brain tumor types. Among them, two brain tumor types are termed as primary and metastatic.

Primary brain tumor – The cells of the brain, spinal cord cells covering the brain and any other tissues originating from the brain can display brain tumor symptoms, and finally become benign or malignant. As with a benign tumor, it is associated with an easily recognisable brain tumor sign, leading to a simpler and faster recovery through surgery. In some cases, if the tumor is present in certain unnavigable locations, the brain tumor surgery becomes risky, with increased chances of death.

If the tumor is malignant, it forms in the brain and does not grow beyond the spinal cord and brain. If not diagnosed early (through a brain tumor diagnosis), it can spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, malignant tumors of breast cancer, lung cancer and even skin cancer can reach the brain in later stages.

Metastatic tumor – Any form of tumor that forms in other parts of the body like breasts and lungs can transit to the brain through the bloodstream, and cause metastatic cancer. These are usually malignant. As per reports, about 40% of lung cancer patients would experience metastatic brain cancer later in their lives.

Cancer Journal for Clinicians, published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimated the prevalence of cancer among 18.1 million people worldwide and about 9.6 million deaths due to this ailment during 2018. However, with modern and sophisticated brain tumor diagnosis tools and innovative surgery, the life expectancy can be improved and mortality can be reduced. But, before that, we must understand the brain tumor signs to identify different brain tumor causes.


Various Symptoms and Signs of Brain tumor


Brain tumor can have varied degrees of symptoms and signs, depending on the location and size of the lump in the brain. There are certain brain tumor symptoms that help us identify its onset. However, unless we experience any problem in the specific region of the brain, we are not advised any diagnosis. Well, the different types of symptoms are as follows:

  • Changes in personality
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures and convulsions
  • Mobility difficulties
  • Poor eyesight
  • Loss of hearing
  • Facial muscle twitches
  • Impaired cognition and articulation
  • Muscle jerking
  • Numbness and drowsiness
  • Loss of bladder control

If you notice any of the brain tumor signs, we would suggest you to check with your doctor immediately. He would prescribe you some tests for diagnosis and possible treatment. In addition to the brain tumor symptoms, knowing the potential brain tumor causes can help you prevent the onset of this ailment in the future.


Causes of Brain Tumor


There is no conclusive evidence on how this disorder actually occurs. However, there are some risk factors that increase your vulnerability to this disease. If your family has a history of brain cancer and extreme exposure to ionizing radiation, it can result in brain tumors. Besides these brain tumor causes, there are other common risk factors, causing brain tumor. They include:

  • Aging
  • Smoking habits
  • Mononucleosis
  • Exposure to harmful chemical elements such as petroleum, plastic, lead and rubber, pesticides and fertilizer




A diagnosis can help you identify your brain tumor type if you have symptoms of a brain tumor. You may require going through a series of diagnosis process.

At first, a neurological test is taken to determine the onset of the ailment. Following this, tests are conducted using sophisticated and innovative tools such as a CT or CAT scan and MRI.  Above all, for an accurate diagnosis of brain tumor, brain biopsy is undertaken. This helps neurosurgeons determine the type of tumor and treatment.

Brain tumor test costs vary across diagnostic labs. We make tests available for everyone at an affordable price. Besides, our highly skilled radiologists make your testing comfortable and easy to bear. Alongside, we ensure high grade accuracy in reporting.


Treatment of Brain Tumor


There are different brain tumor treatment options. The brain tumor treatment includes:


Brain tumor surgery helps remove the tumor from the brain. Even a small removal of tumor can reduce the symptoms and signs completely. In case of an inoperable tumor, surgical navigation system helps remove it.


You have to take chemotherapy drugs to destroy tumor cells. The most common chemotherapy drug is temozolomide, which is administered orally or intravenously.

Radiation Therapy

If surgery fails to remove tumor cells, radiation therapy is recommended to destroy cancer cells. In this therapy, high-energy waves are used. Sometimes, radiation therapy is used along with chemotherapy.

Rehabilitation treatment

Sometimes, brain tumor treatment procedures affect your psychological and physiological health, which can impact your speech and mobility. In that case, rehabilitation treatments such as physical therapy and others can help you get back to a normal life.

Brain tumor is an ailment, which can be debilitating. But, there are ways through which we can prevent the risks of developing it. We must avoid smoking and being close to radioactive substances.

Book Test

Leave a Reply
